Official or unofficial showcase sports of all types have been included in the Olympic Games. Since 1896, several sports have been introduced or withdrawn from the Olympics as a result of IOC decisions. At various times, the Olympics included 42 different sports.
Since 1896, the IOC has made significant decisions, such as which sports will be included in the Olympics and which will be removed from the Games, among others. Due to their international appeal, sports events are introduced, cancelled, and infrequently restored.
This year's Summer Olympics will include 33 sports and 339 medal events on 42 sites around Japan. At the Stockholm Games in 1912, equestrian became the first sport to be featured on the Olympic program.
How do they transport horses for the Olympics?
The horses in Tokyo, like their riders, arrived by airplane after being quarantined for a week before their travels. They are placed into stalls on the ground and then transported by huge cargo jet. Horses don't have to contend with a rapid deceleration after touchdown because these planes take off and land more gradually than passenger flights.
Eleven grooms and veterinarians accompany the horses on board, and they are provided with plenty of water and moisture-enriched hay to keep them hydrated. They are also escorted by a team of people who prepare them for the Olympics. Four backup riders travel with the US equestrian team in case of injury, for example.
The horses are cared for by seven instructors, six team leaders, and 16 grooms. Horse-specific flights from the United States to Tokyo cost about $55,000 per horse. For this reason, the horses are kept in the best possible condition throughout the journey.
Europe was a convenient stopover point for the American horses on their route to Japan. For the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, more than 300 horses traveled to Tokyo. In addition, horses are able to take naps throughout the journey, so they are unlikely to have jet lag when they arrive in their new home.
